Decode Produce's Benefits By Color

January 13, 2014

Decode Produce's Benefits By Color

Consider this your cheat sheet for decoding produce's benefits by color.

The produce aisle is kind of like Mother Nature's medicine cabinet. But unlike the headache relievers and heartburn fighters that sit above your sink, kale and sweet potatoes don't come in flashy packaging detailing all the ways you can benefit from the nutrients and compounds contained within them. Instead, their pigmentation lets you know whether they fight wrinkles, fend o ff cancer, or fire up your immune system. Take red produce, like tomatoes, watermelon, and red bell peppers. If you're seeing red, you're probably looking at lycopene. "Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer—especially prostate cancer," says Manuel Villacorta, R.D., author of Peruvian Power Foods. The easiest way to acquire the antioxidant: Up your intake of tomatoes or tomato products. More >